Information for Families and Friends

Having epilepsy, or caring for someone with epilepsy, can sometimes be a challenge. CDC and its partners have resources to support you.

What people with epilepsy can do

• Learn how to manage your epilepsy and find programs that can help.
• Look for a health care provider that specializes in epilepsy. You can use the American Epilepsy Society online search tool.
• Talk with your heath care provider to make sure your seizures are controlled as much as possible.
• Learn more about treatment options, including clinical trials.
• Be prepared for emergencies.

What parents can do

• Look for a health care provider that specializes in epilepsy. You can use the American Epilepsy Society online search tool.
• Learn more about treatment options for your child with epilepsy, including clinical trials.
• Find ways to help teens live well with epilepsy and support other parents with CDC’s You are Not Alone toolkit for parents.
• Encourage your child’s school nurse, school staff, or day care providers to learn about epilepsy and first aid for seizures by using the Epilepsy Foundation’s programs:
  • Managing Students with Seizures is a training program for school nurses that provides CEUs and is available online or in person.
  • Seizure Training for School Personnel teaches seizure management and first aid to school staff.
  • Seizure Training for Childcare Personnel teaches seizure management and first aid to childcare providers.
• Promote epilepsy education in schools to teachers and other school staff providers:
  • Take Charge of the Storm is an epilepsy awareness program for all middle school-aged students.
  • Take Charge of the Facts is an epilepsy awareness program for all high school-aged students.
• Read Ideas for Parents [PDF-2.6M] for suggestions on how to support schools in managing students with epilepsy and other chronic conditions.

What friends can do

• Learn about epilepsy.
• Know what to do when a seizure happens by learning seizure first aid.
• Listen. Sometimes this is the best form of support.
• Ask your friend what you can do to help.

More information

• Read the answers to common questions about epilepsy.
• Check out CDC Features that bring attention to important epilepsy topics.
• View more Resources for families and friends.